DH8D, vicinity Medford OR USA, 2003
DH8D, vicinity Medford OR USA, 2003
Summary
On 8 January 2003, a DHC8-400 sustained multiple bird strikes during a night visual circuit at the Medford airport, OR, USA, resulting in loss of flight displays, multiple false system warnings and the shattering of the LH windscreen. The Captain sustained significant facial injuries and temporary incapacitation with a successful approach and landing being completed by the co-pilot.
Flight Details
Aircraft
Operator
Type of Flight
Public Transport (Passenger)
Flight Origin
Intended Destination
Take-off Commenced
Yes
Flight Airborne
Yes
Flight Completed
Yes
Phase of Flight
Descent
Location
Location - Airport
Airport
BS
Tag(s)
Large Birds,
Flocking Birds,
Significant Airframe Damage,
Flight Crew Injury,
Migration
HF
Tag(s)
Flight Crew Incapacitation,
Spatial Disorientation
LOC
Tag(s)
Airframe Structural Failure,
Significant Systems or Systems Control Failure,
Degraded flight instrument display,
Environmental Factors,
Bird or Animal Strike
EPR
Tag(s)
“Emergency” declaration
AW
System(s)
Airframe,
Other
Contributor(s)
Damage Tolerance
Outcome
Damage or injury
Yes
Aircraft damage
Major
Non-aircraft damage
Yes
Non-occupant Casualties
No
Occupant Injuries
Few occupants
Occupant Fatalities
None
Off Airport Landing
Yes
Ditching
Yes
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s)
None Made
Investigation Type
Type
Independent
Description
On 8 January 2003, a DHC8-400 sustained multiple bird strikes during a night visual circuit at the Medford airport, Oregon, USA, resulting in loss of flight displays, multiple false system warnings and the shattering of the LH windscreen. The Captain sustained significant facial injuries and temporary incapacitation with a successful approach and landing being completed by the co-pilot.
Synopsis
This is an extract from the Brief of Accident published by the National Transportation Safety Board (USA) (NTSB) (12 Dec 2004):
"The aircraft, which was on a downwind for a night visual approach, impacted a flock of Lesser Scaups (diving ducks). The nose structure of the aircraft and the windshield directly in front of the captain received multiple bird strikes. Some of the birds penetrated the aircraft's skin, but there was no direct penetration of the windshield. Although the windshield was not penetrated, hundreds of small pieces of glass were ejected from the most inner of the windshield's three panes, and approximately 70 of these pieces imbedded themselves in the face, forehead, and scalp of the captain. The first officer ultimately completed a successful landing, while using backup flight instruments. The investigation determined that the windshield certification process defined in Part 25 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and the Canadian Aviation Regulations does not take into account the effects of multiple bird strikes on the same windshield."
Related Articles
Further Reading
- For further information see the NTSB Report (SEA03FA024)
